Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Bryant, AR: Bryant police say Jenny Cavender, Ronnie Stewart Jr. dead in murder suicide outside Saline Memorial Hospice House

BRYANT, Ark. (KTHV) -- Monday, Bryant police respond to a tragic shooting outside of the Saline Memorial Hospice House.

"It appears the weapon that was used was a .40 caliber semi-automatic," says Sergeant Todd Crowson.

Crowson says Ronnie Odell Stewart Jr. of Maumelle shot his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Marie Cavender, who was a nurse at the Hospice House.

"He apparently shows up at work and confronts her in the parking lot and she tries to pull away from him. He shoots numerous times," says Crowson.

Cavender was found dead in her car. Officials found Stewart's body on the ground next to the vehicle.

Crowson says Cavender had an order of protection against Stewart out of Lonoke County since December 13, 2011. She had only recently moved to Bryant.

"Obviously, something happened and she felt like her life was in danger and to go down and get an order of protection," says Crowson.

"We are not looking for anyone at this time. It appears these are the only two parties involved in this," says Sgt. Crowson.

Crowson says an order of protection is different from a restraining order. It gives police more authority to step in. It's often used when a person feels like they're being harassed.

The bodies are being sent to the state crime lab for autopsies.

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